Secrets For Succeeding In Common Tasks
Memory
Question: I just installed a new memory module
in my laptop, but once it's installed, the unit
won't boot. Is the memory bad, or did I install the
module wrong?
Answer: Power down the laptop again and try reinstalling
the memory module. Make sure that it's
installed evenly and completely. Also make sure
that any other memory modules are still installed
properly. If the problem continues, try removing
the new module and see if the system returns to
normal. If it does, you can be pretty sure that the
new module is faulty.
Memory devices are sensitive to static discharge
from your body, so leave the module in its protective
anti static packaging until you're ready to place
it in the laptop. Before you touch the module to
install it, ground yourself by touching something
metal to prevent damage to the module.
Microsoft Word
Question: Word is always changing my document
as I type. Is there a way to stop this?
Answer: Microsoft Word 2003 supports autoformatting,
which analyzes the document and its components
and then changes the format to suit established
rules. This works fine as long as the autoformatting
matches your vision of the document, but autoformatting
will often make unexpected or unwanted
changes. However, you can work around this.
If you see any formatting you don't want (for example,
Word turns a URL into a hyper link), you
can simply click Edit and Undo AutoFormat to
undo that most recent automatic change. If
you'd prefer to disable autoformatting entirely,
just click Tools and AutoCorrect Options and
select the AutoFormat As You Type tab. Now select
or reselect the autoformat options you want
and click OK.
Wireless Networks
Question: Will some better antennas on my wireless
router help to extend my range or speed?
Answer: Wireless data transfers all depend on
signal strength. As the range increases, the signal
weakens, so the wireless system slows down the
data transfer to maintain its connection. Better antennas
can improve the signal strength, allowing
for faster wireless performance and/or
greater wireless range. However, a new antenna
must be compatible with your router. Still, just
dropping cash into new antennas isn't a guarantee
of improvement. And even if there is an improvement,
there's no way to tell how much
improvement to expect. Try moving your laptop
closer to the router and see if the data speeds actually
improve noticeably. If so, new antennas
might help.
Online Music
Question: Is it possible to use music services (such
as Rhapsody) with a dial-up Internet connection?
Answer: This is very common for laptop users who
like to use such services away from their broadband
connection, and clients such as Rhapsody
() can accommodate a wideکد:www.rhapsody.com
range of connection speeds from 28.8Kbps (kilobits
per second; dial up) to 10Mbps (megabits per
second; conventional Ethernet LAN [local-area
network]). You can tell Rhapsody your preferred
connection speed by starting Rhapsody and
clicking Tools, Preferences, and Connection and
then selecting the appropriate speed from the
drop-down menu. Remember that slow dial-up
speeds will result in long streaming times, and you
might experience disconnections common with
dial-up connections, but it will work.
Speakers
Question: Is it better to buy a monitor with or
without speakers?
Answer: There are trade-offs. Integrated speakers
are certainly a convenience: They don't need to be
powered separately or painstakingly positioned.
But integrated speakers may not offer you the
power or sound quality that you can find in good
external speakers. If you're looking for basic business
or gaming audio, integrated speakers will
likely fit the bill. An audiophile or media enthusiast
might opt for the superior sound of external
speakers. Of course, speakers should not be the
determining factor in your display choice. Always
make sure that the display quality will meet your
needs before worrying about the speakers
.
Security
Question: What is spyware and adware? Is it
worth buying security software that checks for
things like that?
Answer: Spyware is software that downloads and
installs to your PC and reports information back
to a collection point. Adware is software that generates
pop-ups and other annoying behavior.
Spyware is usually considered to be the greater
threat because of its secretive operation. There's
no way to know just what information it's collecting
or where it's being sent. Adware is typically
not as dangerous, but it can still slow your PC. You
should consider spyware/adware protection along
with standard firewall and antivirus tools. Security
software such as Norton Internet Security 2006 can
deal with both of those threats by looking for signatures—
telltale pieces of code that are unique to
spyware or adware. Once a suspicious item is detected,
it can be disabled, blocked, or eliminated.
Microsoft Outlook
Question: I get lots of meeting requests via Microsoft
Outlook, but they're often labeled so badly that I
have a hard time remembering what they're for. Can
I change the name of a meeting or appointment
without having to request a new appointment?
Answer: You can easily change the subject of a
meeting or appointment in your Microsoft
Outlook calendar by simply double-clicking the
appointment. When the Appointment form
opens, just erase the poorly worded title and type a
more meaningful title into the Subject line. You
might take a moment to add some additional
notes about the appointment to the detail area.
Now click Save And Close. The improved label
should appear in the calendar.
Antivirus Software
Question: Is it better to buy new antivirus software
when the subscription period expires, or is it
better to simply renew the subscription?
Answer: It depends on your needs. Renewing an
antivirus subscription is typically less expensive
than purchasing a new security product, so if cost
is your bottom line, renew your existing subscription.
However, software is constantly improving,
and new features are added to make the security
product more valuable. So it may be worth considering
some of the newest products before renewing
your old one. For example, if your current security
software only handles viruses, but you'd also like to
protect against spyware or add intrusion detection,
it may well be worth moving to a new product at
renewal time and taking advantage of the one-year
subscription that accompanies a new purchase.
By: Harry Watson
